Omega - Seamaster - 166.003 - Men - 1970

Presented for auction by Second Vintage

The Omega Seamaster stands as an enduring icon of mid-century horological design, blending robust everyday capability with refined dress watch elegance. This particular example captures the golden era of Omega's manufacturing prowess, featuring a beautifully preserved silver sunburst dial and the legendary Caliber 565 movement. It is a quintessential vintage timepiece that offers both historical significance and exceptional daily wearability, presented in an incredibly attractive configuration.

Brand: Omega
Model: Seamaster
Reference Number: 166.003
Serial Number: 29055573
Movement: Automatic Caliber 565, 24 Jewels
Dial: Silver sunburst dial with applied black-insert baton indices, exceptionally clean and well-preserved
Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown)
Case Material: Stainless steel
Production Year: 1970
Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a remarkably clean dial and sharp case lines. Movement have been serviced and performs strongly.

Dial and Hands
The dial is a masterclass in understated elegance, featuring a brilliant silver sunburst finish that catches the light beautifully from every angle. It is exceptionally clean, showing virtually no spotting, staining, or degradation, maintaining a bright and even tone that is highly desirable in vintage examples. The applied faceted baton indices are detailed with distinct black onyx-style inserts, matching the design of the framed date window at the three o'clock position. The crisp printing of the serif Omega typography and the classic script Seamaster text remains perfectly intact. The faceted dauphine-style hands feature matching black inserts and display honest, age-consistent micro-oxidation on their metallic surfaces, confirming their vintage authenticity without detracting from the watch's striking visual appeal.

Case and Crystal
The 34 mm stainless steel case presents strong vintage geometry with robust, well-defined lugs that retain their classic profile. The transition between the brushed and polished surfaces remains distinct, highlighting the elegant slope of the polished bezel. The signed Omega crown is clearly visible and well-preserved. Turning the watch over, the screw-down caseback features a deeply embossed and highly crisp Seamaster Hippocampus medallion, indicating the watch has been carefully preserved and not subjected to heavy polishing over its lifetime. The watch is fitted with a domed acrylic crystal that presents clearly, protecting the dial while enhancing the warm, vintage character of the timepiece.

Movement
Powering this timepiece is the highly regarded Omega Caliber 565 automatic movement, renowned among collectors for its reliability, precision, and the convenient quickset date mechanism. The 24-jewel movement features Omega's signature copper-toned plating, which remains vibrant and rich in color. Close inspection reveals the caliber marking 565 and the serial number 29055573 clearly stamped on the bridges. The movement presents beautifully with a swan-neck regulator and visually clean components. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher records a highly impressive result of +8 to +10 seconds per day with strong amplitude. Movement have been serviced and performs strongly.

Strap
The watch is fitted with an original Omega stainless steel beads-of-rice bracelet, a highly sought-after pairing that elevates the mid-century aesthetic. The bracelet drapes comfortably and features a signed Omega folding clasp with a crisp, applied brand logo. It accommodates a wrist size of up to 20cm, offering excellent articulation and a refined, luxurious presence on the wrist.

Condition
This Seamaster is in excellent vintage condition overall. The case retains strong lines and the caseback medallion is remarkably sharp. The dial is a standout feature, remaining exceptionally clean and free of the moisture damage or heavy patina often seen in watches of this era. Normal, light handling marks and superficial signs of wear are present on the case, bezel, and bracelet, entirely consistent with careful ownership over the decades. The hands exhibit natural, attractive aging that perfectly complements the pristine dial.

Dimensions
The stainless steel case measures a classic 34 mm in diameter excluding the crown. The watch is presented on a stainless steel beads-of-rice bracelet sized to fit a wrist up to 20cm.

Remarks
This Seamaster reference 166.003 is a superb example of Omega's timeless design language. The combination of the immaculate silver sunburst dial, the robust in-house Caliber 565, and the incredibly comfortable beads-of-rice bracelet makes this a truly versatile collector's piece. It moves effortlessly between formal and casual settings, representing a brilliant opportunity to acquire a highly original and mechanically strong vintage Omega.

History
Introduced in 1948 to celebrate Omega's centenary, the Seamaster line was originally based on waterproof wristwatches made for the British military at the end of the Second World War. By the late 1960s and early 1970s, the collection had evolved to include elegant, everyday luxury timepieces that retained their robust, water-resistant heritage. The inclusion of the Caliber 565 in this era marked a high point in Omega's mechanical development, solidifying the Seamaster's reputation as one of the most reliable and distinguished watches of the twentieth century.

Payment and Shipping
Payment must be completed within 1–3 days after purchase.
Your watch will be professionally and very securely packaged, and shipped with tracking and insurance for your peace of mind. We ship via fast express service, with typical delivery in 1–4 business days (destination dependent).
Note that with vintage watches, minor signs of wear, aging, or imperfections may be present and are considered normal for watches of this age.
Please review all photos carefully before bidding. We strive to photograph each watch from multiple angles for the most accurate representation. The photos form an important part of the description.
If there are any concerns of functionality or defects after delivery, make sure to contact us within 3 days of receiving the watch so we can assist you.
As with all vintage watches, water resistance is not guaranteed.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us after the auction ends.

/ Second Vintage

SKU: OME-OSX-0047